By UATeam in Salesforce Flow —

Can We Create Read-Only Fields in Screen Flow Salesforce?

Salesforce Screen Flows allow for interactive user input as part of automated processes, making them a popular tool for guiding users through complex workflows. A common question for administrators and developers is whether read-only fields can be created in Screen Flows. The answer is yes, though Salesforce does not provide a direct "read-only" field option, there are effective workarounds to display non-editable fields in a Screen Flow.

This article explains how to create read-only fields in Salesforce Screen Flows, their use cases, and step-by-step methods for implementation.

Use Cases for Read-Only Fields in Screen Flows

Read-only fields in Screen Flows are used to:

  1. Display Information: Show users relevant data (e.g., account details, opportunity status) without allowing edits.
  2. Provide Context: Offer reference information to guide user decisions.
  3. Ensure Data Integrity: Prevent accidental changes to critical information during flow execution.

Methods to Create Read-Only Fields in Screen Flows

1. Use a Display Text Component

The simplest way to create a read-only field in a Screen Flow is by using the Display Text component.

Steps to Implement:

  1. Open Flow Builder:
    • Navigate to Setup → Flow and create or edit a Screen Flow.
  2. Add a Screen Element:
    • Drag and drop a Screen element onto the canvas.
  3. Insert a Display Text Component:
    • In the Screen editor, select the Display Text component.
    • Use merge fields (e.g., {!Account.Name}) to display dynamic values retrieved from flow variables.
  4. Style the Display Text:
    • Use bold, italics, or colors to highlight critical data.

Advantages:

  • Provides flexibility for formatting.
  • Prevents any user interaction with the field.

Example:

Display the name of an account in a flow:

Account Name: {!Account.Name}
Account Owner: {!Account.OwnerId}

2. Use an Input Field with a Disabled Attribute

For a more form-like appearance, you can mimic a read-only field by using an Input Field and disabling user interaction.

Steps to Implement:

  1. Add an Input Field:
    • In the Screen editor, drag an Input Field component onto the screen.
  2. Pre-Fill the Field with a Value:
    • Use a variable or record field to populate the input field with a value.
  3. Disable the Field:
    • Use the Default Mode option to make the field read-only (if supported by Salesforce's updates).
    • Alternatively, use validation rules or custom logic to prevent editing.

Limitations:

  • Users may perceive the field as editable due to its appearance.

3. Combine Display Text with Conditional Logic

If you want to show fields conditionally based on user input or business logic, use a Display Text component combined with conditional flow paths.

Steps to Implement:

  1. Set Conditional Variables:
    • Use decision elements to define when specific information should be displayed.
  2. Display Text Dynamically:
    • Use conditional logic to control when Display Text components appear.

Example:

  • Show read-only details only if the user selects a specific option:
    • Decision element: If Opportunity Stage = "Closed Won" → Display related fields as read-only.

4. Use Custom Lightning Web Components (LWCs)

For advanced use cases requiring customization, Lightning Web Components (LWCs) can create dynamic read-only fields in Screen Flows.

Steps to Implement:

  1. Develop the LWC:
    • Create an LWC that fetches data and renders it in a non-editable format.
  2. Add the LWC to the Flow:
    • Deploy the LWC and drag it into the Screen Flow using the Custom Component option.
  3. Configure LWC Properties:
    • Pass flow variables into the LWC to display dynamic data.

Advantages:

  • Offers maximum customization and control.
  • Useful for complex layouts or interactive displays.

Best Practices for Using Read-Only Fields in Screen Flows

  1. Use Descriptive Labels:
    • Clearly label read-only fields to avoid confusion (e.g., "Account Name (Read-Only)").
  2. Keep Screens Intuitive:
    • Avoid cluttering the screen with excessive data. Only display information that aids the user's workflow.
  3. Leverage Validation Rules:
    • Use Salesforce validation rules or flow conditions to ensure critical data cannot be changed.

Conclusion

While Salesforce Screen Flows don’t provide a direct "read-only" field type, several methods—such as Display Text, disabled input fields, or custom LWCs—allow administrators and developers to achieve this functionality. By following the steps outlined above, you can create user-friendly flows that securely display critical information while maintaining data integrity.

Whether you're displaying account details, opportunity stages, or contextual data, these techniques ensure your Screen Flows are both functional and user-centric.